5 Underrated Instruments for Your Child to Learn

Whether your child wants to join their school band or orchestra, or if you want your child to take private music lessons, it can be difficult to select the right instrument. Oftentimes, students and parents alike only consider instruments that are popular, age appropriate, and/or affordable. While this criteria is reasonable, there are a number of underrated instruments for your child to learn that are also age appropriate and inexpensive.

Take a moment to consider these instruments and their benefits.

ViolaA lesser known string instrument, the viola closely resembles the violin in every way it counts. In fact, many viola players are able to use their skills to play the violin later on. How? Not only are both of these instruments held and played the same way, they share three of the same strings. While the violin has one higher string, the viola has one lower string.The main difference between the two instruments is the clef they use. Violists are the only instrumentalists who regularly use the alto clef. Therefore, those who play the viola tend to have phenomenal music reading and music theory skills. Although the viola is often neglected for its popular sibling the violin, it’s one of the best instruments for your child to learn from an educational and opportunity standpoint. Less competition amongst violists means more opportunities to play.

TrumpetWhile trumpets are well-known instruments, they are not well selected by kids looking to learn an instrument for the first time. This could be because trumpets are considered one of the most difficult instruments to play. Not only does it require good breath and finger coordination, it is a loud instrument. Furthermore, trumpets are often given the melody, making precise intonation important. If a trumpet goes out of tune, everyone will notice. This makes it a great instrument for your child to learn if they enjoy a challenge or being the center of attention.

TromboneThe trombone – even less popular than the trumpet – offers a number of advantages to your child. Like many of the instruments on this list, less competition means your child will have more opportunities to play the trombone. The trombone has the unique benefit of being valuable to just about every kind of music group as well. They’re heard in bands, orchestras, symphonies, jazz bands, and so on. While the trombone can be a difficult instrument to care for, it can be a good opportunity for your child to learn about the importance of maintenance and respect for valuable items.

FluteConsidered one of the oldest woodwind instruments, the flute is an easy, affordable, and versatile instrument for your child to learn. It is considered versatile in terms of both portability and usage. Learning the flute allows students to pick up other instruments later on as well, such as the piccolo or the saxophone. Its ease and pleasing tone make it a good instrument to develop your child’s confidence and foundational understanding of music.

ClarinetThe clarinet is often neglected over its more popular counterpart, the saxophone. Few people realize the similarities between these two instruments, but a soprano saxophone even looks similar to a clarinet. However, the saxophone is considered easier to play than the clarinet, meaning the clarinet offers an educational advantage to your child. Furthermore, just like the viola to the violin, students who learn the clarinet can easily learn the saxophone later on. Switching the other way around, however, is more challenging.

Every Student Is Unique

It can be difficult to choose an instrument for you or your child when you’re just starting out, though we hope you will seriously consider these underrated instruments for your child to learn. Each one offers unique benefits to the player, and by virtue of being underrated, your child will often have more opportunities to play as a result. This could include special bands or orchestras, competitions, or even scholarships. No matter what instrument your child chooses to play though, we hope they enjoy a lifelong relationship to music!

We’re so happy to have a new great teacher on board. Larry (new trumpet/trombone teacher) shared some great advice about learning music. You’ll read his words of wisdom, personal stories, and a bit about his background in the interview and bio below:

Larry Toft teaches Trombone and Trumpet at Philly Music Lessons

Meet Our New Trumpet and Trombone Teacher

Larry ToftI teach trombone, baritone horn/euphonium, and trumpet. I’m a full time teacher and performer in Philadelphia and obtained my BA in Music Education from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music. I have over 15 years of teaching experience, and I currently teach at 3 schools in the Philadelphia area on a weekly basis. I enjoy performing and teaching many styles of music such as: classical, jazz, salsa, blues, reggae, r&b, funk, and folk music from Balkans. I enjoy designing lessons around what the student wants to learn as well as establishing basic brass techniques in regards to tone production, rhythm, and harmony.

When did you begin playing [instrument], and why?:I started at age 9 when I was in the fourth grade. There was a brass ensemble playing music for everyone in the school to try and get students excited about playing music. I remember the trombone player piqued by interest by playing low splatty notes and the melody to “The Imperial March” from Star Wars.

What are your personal goals as a musician?:To be well versed in all styles of music and to make people forget their troubles and dance/listen/enjoy!

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked? Something you’ll remember forever?:I remember the first time I was able to produce a clear, resonant tone on the trombone. This ability, for some, is one of the most challenging aspects to a brass instrument. Also, being graceful and fluid on the slide of the trombone. This really helps with precision and accuracy of notes in particular passages.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?:It’s only music. Wrong notes have never severely injured anyone. Be adventurous! Take risks! This can open your ears and mind to new, exciting possibilities.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?:Learning how to improvise. This concept, in the beginning, was very foreign to me. Once you become familiar with how chord and harmony structures work, it starts to fall into place.

What is your biggest musical achievement?:Besides being able to succeed as a performing musician who is well versed in many styles, I think performing with other notable musicians such as Johnny Pacheco, Jimmy Heath, Lalo Rodriguez, Jon Faddis, Johnny Rivera, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Steve Coleman,

Michael Ray, and Freddy Bell

Favorite thing about teaching?:Seeing the progress of the student and having them discover that moment when it starts to click for them.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?:Enjoy the process. Be patience and persistent and the rewards will pay off.

Recent Testimonials

I started taking lessons here because I wanted to pick up a new hobby and continue learning music even after school. My instructor Phil was super knowledgeable and very patient with me every lesson I had. If you're looking for a great guitar/banjo instructor, definitely ask for Phil! The staff at Philly Music Lessons are very responsive and accommodating when scheduling lessons. They really strive to make this a great place to learn and love your instrument!

Alisa W.

There's so much I can say about Philly music lessons but I'll just sum it up to "they are the best". My daughter started violin lessons in October of 2016 and lovesss it, She had the privilege of being taught by not just one instructor but two! Eunice & then Freddy, and they are just incredible. Patient & kind, but also stern when they need to be. You want to introduce your child to music, this is the place to go. I recommend them to all my friends & family .

Karlisha J.

I have nothing but praise for Alex. I was somewhat anxious trying to pick up a new hobby playing the drums. My nervousness dissipated quickly with Alex's guidance. He tailors each lesson with handwritten exercises, appealing both to my interests and skill level, and I always leave feeling like my skills have improved.

Pat D.

Joe is a fantastic guitar teacher. My son and husband both take lessons from him, and we see him at our house every week. No matter what, he is always cheerful and kind. He is one of my favorite people in Philadelphia. He singlehandedly eased our transition to Philly from Seattle and we are so grateful. He is a true gem, not only as a teacher and musician, but as a person. He is flexible, creative, hard-working--an all around standout.

Gwen G.

My 12 year old daughter studies piano with Philly Music Lesson's Joe Primavera. As a professional musician himself, Joe brings a lot of resources to the table. He has a unique ability to engage our daughter with the instrument, firmly grounding her in classical piano technique while exploring the singer-songwriter genre. His respect for her musical voice and style is something that I have not always experienced with other teachers. He knows how to make the most of her abilities, while consistently coaching her to a higher level. Sessions at our home are something the entire family looks forward to. Joe brings his guitar to every lesson, and accompanies our daughter on the piano. He also uses technology where appropriate, employing a mobile device to play back songs that our daughter is learning, working with her to interpret them for the piano. The music lessons are like jam sessions with professional musicians. I would recommend Joe and this school to anyone who is interested in nurturing their unique talent and bringing it to a performance level.

Jesse G.

Follow Us!

Enter your email below to get updates and discounts from Philly Music Lessons.